2013 Cutters coaches announced

The Philadelphia Phillies officially announced that former major league pitcher Les Lancaster will be the 2013 pitching coach for the Williamsport Crosscutters, the Phillies short-season class "A" affiliate, as part of an all-new coaching staff.

Joining Lancaster will be coach Lino Connell. The 2013 Crosscutters manager has yet to be named, but is expected to be announced soon.

Lancaster was the pitching coach for Phillies Class "A" affiliate Lakewood BlueClaws in 2012. Prior to joining the Phillies in 2011, he spent 11 of the previous 12 years as a manager in the independent leagues with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association (2008-10), the Reno Silver Sox of the Golden Baseball League (2005-07), Coastal Bend of the Central League (2003) and Lincoln (2001-02) and Adirondack (1999-2000) of the Northern League.

He pitched seven years in the major leagues both as a starter and a reliever with the Cubs, Tigers, and Cardinals, going 41-28 with 22 saves and a 4.05 ERA. In 1989, Lancaster helped pitch the Chicago Cubs to the NL Eastern Division Championship.

Lino Connell joined the Phillies in 2012 serving as a coach at Lakewood. A former infielder, he played professionally for 15 years including stints in the Angels organization, four independent leagues, and the Mexican League, batting a combined .297 in 1,410 games. In addition, Connell played three seasons in the Italian Baseball League (2008-2010).

Andy Tracy, who managed Williamsport in 2012, has been named the Phillies Minor League Hitting Coordinator. He takes the place of Steve Henderson who was recently named the Philadelphia Phillies hitting coach. 2012 pitching coach Aaron Fultz has been named the pitching coach at Lakewood (A) and 2012 Cutters coach Rafael DeLima will be a coach with the Gulf Coast League Phillies(R)in 2013.

The Crosscutters open their 2013 season on June 18th hosting the rival State College Spikes at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, Bonus Books and other ticket plans are now available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com, by phone at (570) 326-3389 or in person at the Sawmill Team Store located at Bowman Field.

2013 Phillies Minor League Coaching Staffs (* coached or managed in Williamsport)

Triple-A Lehigh Valley:
Manager- Dave Brundage
Pitching Coach- Ray Burris
Coach- Sal Rende

Double-A Reading:
Manager- *Dusty Wathan
Pitching Coach- *Dave Lundquist
Coach- Frank Cacciatore

Single-A Clearwater:
Manager *Chris Truby
Pitching Coach- Bob Milacki
Coach- John Mizerock

Single-A Lakewood:
Manager- *Mickey Morandini
Pitching Coach- *Aaron Fultz
Coach- *Greg Legg

Short-Season A Williamsport:
Manager- TBD
Pitching Coach- Les Lancaster
Coach- Lino Connell

Gulf Coast League Phillies:
Manager- Roly de Armas
Pitching Coach- Steve Schrenk
Coach- Ramon Henderson
Coach- *Rafael DeLima